Kolkata — Ahead of the first-ever day-night Test of the subcontinent, Indian captain Virat Kohli said the hosts are excited about the game which is all set to start on Friday at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
The newly-appointed president of BCCI SouravGangulyinformed the media that the tickets for the first four days of the five-day match has already been sold out and Indian captain Kohli is hoping a jam-packed Eden galleries during the game.
“We are excited about the game. The last time when Eden had such a buzz, such excitement was before the game against Pakistan (in 2017 T20 World Cup). I think the atmosphere will be similar this time around. It can be daunting, intimidating, but very exciting as well,” Virat told in the pre-match press conference on Thursday at the Eden Gardens.
“Playing with the pink ball is not an easy affair. I think the first hour of the game will be very exciting because of the energy levels will be very high and the public will get what they paid for. It is obviously a landmark occasion of Indian cricket, and we are lucky that we are a part of this start,” Virat further added.
The Kolkata Test will be the first day-night Test for both of India and Bangladesh.
While most of the first players of India have played some matches in the domestic cricket, Bangladeshi players have no experience of it.
Back in 2013, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had hosted a day-night First-class game in Dhaka, but none of the current Bangladesh cricketers was a part of that game.
According to Virat, despite having some sort of experiences of playing with the pink ball, the Kolkata Test can be difficult for the Indian players due to dew in this time of the year.
“The dew is something we have to speak about. I have talked with the match referee about it. He also had the same feelings that we will have to take it as it comes and manage it in the best way possible. Most probably, the dew will be the main factor during the last session of the game,” Virat further added.
The Indian captain also expressed worry saying that the fielders will have to face difficulties as the pink balls felt are heavier than the red ones.
“I was surprised by the fielding sessions. The pink balls almost felt like heavy hockey balls. It purely because of the extra glaze on the ball, and it felt a little heavy, the throws took a lot more effort than the red balls do to reach the wicketkeeper,” Virat further said.UNB
